pacemaker

pace·mak·er

noun \ˈpās-ˌmā-kər\

Definition of PACEMAKER

1

a : one that sets the pace for another

b : one that takes the lead or sets an example

2

a : a group of cells or a body part (as the sinus node of the heart) that serves to establish and maintain a rhythmic activity

b : an electrical device for stimulating or steadying the heartbeat or reestablishing the rhythm of an arrested heart

— pace·mak·ing \-kiŋ\ noun

Examples of PACEMAKER

1. <has long been regarded as a pacemaker in home electronics>

First Known Use of PACEMAKER

1884

Related to PACEMAKER

Synonyms

leader, bellwether, pacer, pacesetter, trendsetter

Antonyms

follower, imitator

Related Words

foregoer, forerunner, harbinger, herald, precursor; groundbreaker, innovator, pioneer

Near Antonyms

Johnny-come-lately, me-tooer

Rhymes with PACEMAKER

backbreaker, bookmaker, caretaker, carmaker, comaker, dressmaker, drugmaker, filmmaker, gill raker, glassmaker, groundbreaker, grubstaker, hatmaker, haymaker, heartbreaker, homemaker, housebreaker, icebreaker, jawbreaker, kingmaker, lawbreaker, lawmaker, mapmaker, matchmaker, mistaker, muckraker, mythmaker, noisemaker, oddsmaker, peacemaker, phrasemaker, platemaker, playmaker, Poundmaker, printmaker, rainmaker, sailmaker, saltshaker, shirtmaker, shoemaker, snowmaker, steelmaker, strikebreaker, tastemaker, tiebreaker, toolmaker, trailbreaker, watchmaker, winemaker, wiseacre

pace·mak·er

noun \ˈpā-ˌsmā-kər\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of PACEMAKER

1

: a group of cells or a body part (as the sinoatrial node of the heart) that serves to establish and maintain a rhythmic activity

2

: an electrical device for stimulating or steadying the heartbeat or reestablishing the rhythm of an arrested heart—called also pacer

pacemaker

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Source of rhythmic electrical impulses that trigger heart contractions. In the heart's electrical system, impulses generated at a natural pacemaker are conducted to the atria and ventricles. Heart surgery or certain diseases can interrupt conduction (heart block), requiring use of a temporary or permanent artificial pacemaker. A small electrode attached to an electric generator outside the body is threaded through a vein into the heart. The generator, inserted beneath the skin, produces regular pulses of electric charge to maintain the heartbeat. Permanent pacemakers can also be implanted on the heart's surface.